Serena’s comeback confirmed by detail as date of tennis event becomes clear

Serena Williams is eligible to return to professional tennis on Feb. 22 after being listed on the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s reinstatement page, a change that signals she has completed the required six months in the sport’s anti-doping testing pool.

The update on the agency’s website effectively clears the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion to compete again, although Williams, 44, has not publicly confirmed plans to resume her career.

Williams last played at the 2022 U.S. Open and previously described her departure from the sport as “evolving away” from tennis rather than retiring. If she chooses to return, she could enter tournaments following the Feb. 22 eligibility date, with some of the early events on the 2026 tour in March.

It was not immediately known where Williams might make her first appearance, and representatives for Williams and the Women’s Tennis Association did not immediately respond to requests for comment.